Dynamic Control Channel Resource Allocation in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks are unable to dynamically reallocate control channel elements (CCEs) during a communication session based on changing channel conditions, leading to resource wastage as resources allocated for control transmissions remain unavailable for data transmissions even if channel conditions improve.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to dynamically allocate control channel resources by monitoring channel conditions and using a reserve bit in DCI messages to notify wireless devices of changes in CCE allocation, allowing for scheduling of data transmissions in improved conditions and reverting to control transmissions when conditions degrade, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control channel elements (CCEs) are allocated based on initial channel conditions during attach procedure, then control transmission reliability is ensured, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates when channel conditions improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reallocation of CCEs by allowing the network to switch between control transmission and data transmission modes based on current channel conditions. The reserve bits in DCI messages enable this dynamic switching without requiring frequent RRC signaling, thus improving resource utilization while maintaining control transmission reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of reserve bits in DCI messages to indicate whether CCEs are allocated for control transmission or data transmission. By modifying this parameter (reserve bit value), the system can dynamically reallocate resources based on channel conditions without changing the underlying RRC configuration, thereby improving resource efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RRC signaling is used to reallocate CCEs when channel conditions change, then control transmission adaptability is improved, but signaling overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reserve bits in DCI messages as an intermediary mechanism to convey CCE allocation status. These reserve bits act as a lightweight signaling method that enables rapid adaptation to channel condition changes without requiring full RRC signaling procedures, thus improving adaptability while minimizing signaling latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signaling function by separating control transmission indication from data transmission indication into distinct reserve bit values within DCI messages. This segmentation allows the system to provide fine-grained control over CCE allocation and enables rapid adaptation without the overhead of complete RRC reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If more CCEs are assigned during poor channel conditions, then control transmission robustness is improved, but available resources for data transmission decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of CCE allocation by allowing the network to switch between allocating CCEs for control transmission and making them available for data transmission based on real-time channel conditions. When conditions improve, CCEs are dynamically released for data use, maximizing resource utilization while maintaining robustness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes CCEs multi-functional by allowing them to serve either control transmission or data transmission purposes depending on channel conditions. The same physical resources (CCEs) can be universally used for different functions, eliminating waste and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining robustness for control when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Responsive to determining that a current channel condition of a communication channel improves from an initial channel condition, scheduling data information in a control transmission portion of the communication channel, and responsive to determining that the current channel condition of the communication channel degrades, scheduling control information in the control transmission portion of the communication channel. The scheduling of the data information and the control information is indicated to the wireless device via a reserve bit transmitted on a resource element, versus RRC signaling.